3rd Annual LakeFest Splashes into Kenosha on August 23rd
Kenosha, WI – The shoreline is about to come alive! The 3rd Annual LakeFest is set for Saturday, August 23rd from 12 PM to 11 PM at the Kenosha Beach House on Simmons Island (5001 Simmons Island Road). This all-day celebration of sun, sand, and community will feature live music, mouthwatering food, beach games, sandcastle building, vendor market, a bonfire, a Venetian boat parade, and a high-energy glow party to keep the fun going after dark.
LakeFest isn’t just a party on the beach—it’s a fundraiser for the Kenosha Community Sailing Center, a local nonprofit that’s been teaching sailing for over 17 years and working hard to make Lake Michigan accessible and safe for everyone. From renting those famous yellow pedal ducks, kayaks, and paddle boards, to hosting wooden boat-building workshops in the winter, the Sailing Center is dedicated to building a strong community of water lovers. They’re also proud members of the Safety Around Water Coalition, spreading the message of water safety year-round.
The event includes:
Two Stages of Entertainment:
Lakeshore Pedal Tours Beach Stage
12:00 – 2:30 PM – Terr Motif: Psychedelic, alternative, and oh-so-cool.
3:00 – 5:30 PM – Mixed Company: Indie & classic hits with powerhouse vocals from Jennifer Wutt.
6:00 – 8:15 PM – Betsy Ade & the Well-Known Strangers: Cello-infused alternative rock/pop magic.
8:30 – 11:00 PM – DJ Glow Party: 80s anthems and dance floor favorites under the stars.
State Bank of the Lakes Stage & Children’s Area
12:00 – 12:30 PM – Midwest Dance Center: High-energy, artistic performances.
1:00 – 1:30 PM – Donna’s Gymnastics: Tumbling fun set to upbeat tunes.
1:30 – 2:30 PM – Youth Beach Games: Limbo, hula hooping & more.
2:30 – 3:30 PM – Foam Party: Dive into a bubbly blast of soapy fun!
3:30 – 6:30 PM – Duke Otherwise: Whimsical, hilarious, interactive family music.
12:00 – 6:30 PM – Arts & crafts + face painting all day.
Food, Fire, and Festivities
Eat Da Meats – A veteran-owned food truck serving up flavor-packed bites.
Beach House Concessions – S’mores kits, festival favorites, and more.
Beach Beer Sales – Cold brews on the sand (no carry-in alcohol, please).
Lemonade Galore – Lots of lemonade and slushies to keep you cool on the beach.
As the sun sets at 6:30 PM, fire pits will be lit, the music will turn up, and the vibes will get even better.
Venetian Boat Parade – 8:00 PM
Watch beautifully decorated, illuminated boats glide past the Beach House before making their way into the harbor. Prizes for the top three boats are sponsored by Visit Kenosha, with support from Southport Marina and Great Lakes Yacht Sales.
Glow Party & Bonfire – After the Parade
When the boats dock, the beach becomes a dance floor! Glow sticks, neon, 80s fashion, and high-energy dance beats make this an unforgettable way to close out the night.
LakeFest is free to attend – so grab your friends, your flip-flops, and maybe a little neon paint, and come celebrate summer the Kenosha way!
Go to kenoshabeachhouse.com/lakefest for more information.
Follow the Kenosha Community Sailing Center on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated and join their mission to keep our community connected to the water.